U.S. patent number 8,854,465 [Application Number 13/225,464] was granted by the patent office on 2014-10-07 for vehicle security surveillance system and method for surveillance of a vehicle.
The grantee listed for this patent is Jason Charles McIntyre. Invention is credited to Jason Charles McIntyre.
United States Patent |
8,854,465 |
McIntyre |
October 7, 2014 |
Vehicle security surveillance system and method for surveillance of
a vehicle
Abstract
A vehicle security surveillance system includes a camera
installed within a vehicle's interior a memory device coupled to
the camera, an external device interface coupled to the memory
device, a wiring interface coupled to a power supply, a network
interface module, and an image packet application. The camera is
normally rendered in a "stand-by" mode until trigger activated to
generate digital images of the interior of the vehicle. An image
packet application facilitates, generation of at least one vehicle
interior image packet. On receiving a trigger from the motion
sensors, the camera is rendered to record digital images to the
memory device and the image packet application initiates generation
of at least one vehicle interior image packet including the
recorded digital images and encrypts each digital image. The at
least one vehicle interior image packet is sent from the vehicle
security surveillance system via the network interface module.
Inventors: |
McIntyre; Jason Charles (San
Antonio, TX) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McIntyre; Jason Charles |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
51626971 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/225,464 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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11650607 |
Jan 8, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/148;
726/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C
5/0891 (20130101); B60R 25/302 (20130101); B60R
25/1004 (20130101); B60R 25/305 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
7/18 (20060101); G06F 17/30 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;348/148 ;726/26 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Lawida, Arthur et al.; Valet Parking Goes High-Tech; Mar. 2005;
National Parking Association;
http://www.servicetrackingsystems.net/pdf/parkingmagreprint.pdf.
cited by examiner.
|
Primary Examiner: Woolcock; Madhu
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of a Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 11/650,607, filed Jan. 8, 2007 now abandoned,
which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 from entitled
"Vehicle Security Surveillance System", by inventors Jason Charles
McIntyre and Jeff Kirk Ekdahl, the entirety of the disclosure of
the above referenced Application is hereby incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth herein.
Claims
I claim:
1. A vehicle security surveillance system comprising: a camera
configured to be installed within a vehicle's interior, the camera
including one or more motion sensors and a processor, wherein (a)
the processor is configured to facilitate operation of the camera
and the one or more motion sensors, and (b) the camera is
configured to be in stand-by mode and to generate one or more
digital images of the interior of the vehicle when the one or more
motion sensors trigger activation of the camera; an image packet
application configured to facilitate generation of at least one
vehicle interior image packet comprising (i) an encrypted digital
image generated by the camera, (ii) an image capture time
indicator, (iii) an image capture date indicator, (iv) a counter
status indicator for tracking a number of times the vehicle
interior image packet has been downloaded, and (v) a decryption
status indicator for identifying a person or entity requesting
decryption, wherein the image packet application, upon receipt of a
valid request for decryption including a decryption code for the
vehicle interior image packet, creates an encrypted vehicle
interior image packet from the vehicle interior image packet
comprising current status information that includes the decryption
status indicator including a predefined one letter code that
identifies the person or entity requesting decryption and an
updated count of the counter status indicator so that veracity of
the vehicle interior image packet is documented to enhance
admissibility in legal proceedings; a memory device, the memory
device coupled to the camera and configured to store the one or
more digital images generated by the camera; an external device
interface coupled to the memory device, wherein the external device
interface is configured to facilitate removal of the one or more
digital images from the memory device; a network interface
configured to send the encrypted vehicle interior image packet from
the vehicle security surveillance system; and a wiring interface
coupled to a power supply.
2. The vehicle security surveillance system according to claim 1
further comprising a Video Share application server configured to
send at least one vehicle interior image packet to a Video Share
User Equipment (UE) device.
3. The vehicle security surveillance system according to claim 2
wherein the Video Share UE device comprises a mobile phone.
4. The vehicle security surveillance system according to claim 1
wherein the camera further comprises shock sensors.
5. The vehicle security surveillance system according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one encrypted vehicle interior image packet
requires a restricted code for decrypting.
6. A vehicle security surveillance system comprising: a
charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, configured to be installed
within a vehicle's interior and comprising motion sensors and a
processor, wherein the CCD camera is configured to be in stand-by
mode and to generate one or more digital images of the interior of
the vehicle when the CCD camera is trigger-activated by the motion
sensors to generate digital images, and the processor is configured
to facilitate operation of the CCD camera and the motion sensors;
an image packet application configured to facilitate generation of
at least one vehicle interior image packet comprising (i) an
encrypted digital image generated by the CCD camera, (ii) an image
capture time indicator, (iii) an image capture date indicator, (iv)
a counter status indicator for tracking a number of times the
vehicle interior image packet has been downloaded, and (v) a
decryption status indicator for identifying a person or entity
requesting decryption, wherein the image packet application, upon
receipt of a valid request for decryption including a decryption
code for the vehicle interior image packet, creates an encrypted
vehicle interior image packet from the vehicle interior image
packet comprising current status information that includes the
decryption status indicator including a predefined one letter code
that identifies the person or entity requesting decryption and an
updated count of the counter status indicator so that veracity of
the vehicle interior image packet is documented to enhance
admissibility in legal proceedings; a micro hard drive coupled to
the CCD camera and configured to store the one or more digital
images generated by the CCD camera; universal serial bus (USB) plug
coupled to the micro hard drive, wherein the USB plug is configured
to facilitate removal of the one or more digital images from the
micro hard drive; a network interface configured to transmit the
encrypted vehicle interior image packet; and a power supply.
7. A method for surveillance of a vehicle including: rendering a
vehicle security surveillance system in a stand-by mode while the
vehicle is parked, generating one or more digital images of an
interior of the vehicle by at least one camera when the at least
one camera is activated by triggering of a motion sensor;
generating of at least one vehicle interior image packet comprising
(i) an encrypted digital image generated by the camera, (ii) an
image capture time indicator, (iii) an image capture date
indicator, (iv) a counter status indicator for tracking a number of
times the vehicle interior image packet has been downloaded, and
(v) a decryption status indicator for identifying a person or
entity requesting decryption, wherein, upon receiving a valid
request for decryption including a decryption code for the vehicle
interior image packet, creating an encrypted vehicle interior image
packet from the vehicle interior image packet comprising current
status information that includes the decryption status indicator
including a predefined one letter code that identifies the person
or entity requesting decryption and an updated count of the counter
status indicator so that veracity of the vehicle interior image
packet is documented to enhance admissibility in legal proceedings;
recording the one or more digital images generated by the at least
one camera onto a memory device; and sending the encrypted vehicle
interior image packet from the vehicle security surveillance
system, via a network interface module.
8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the at least one camera
is activated by shock sensors.
9. The method according to claim 7 further comprising sending at
least one vehicle interior image packet to a Video Share
Application Server from the network interface module.
10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of
sending the encrypted vehicle interior image packet to at least one
user equipment device.
11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the one or more
digital images are recorded on the memory device via a
self-cleaning program.
12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the step of recording
the one or more digital images further comprises the steps of:
storing a digital image file for the at least one camera in a
corresponding folder, each folder including a predetermined number
of subfolders; and deleting the digital image file of an oldest
subfolder to generate a contents-deleted subfolder to store a
subsequent digital image file.
13. The method according to claim 7 further comprising engaging a
valet or service attendant mode.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to a security system. More
particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention
relates to a vehicle security surveillance system and method for
surveillance of a vehicle featuring a network interface module for
sending at least one vehicle interior image packet from the vehicle
security surveillance system.
2. Description of Related Art
Present day vehicle security systems are predominantly designed to
alert bystanders that a nearby, secured vehicle is in the process
of or the immediate result of a burglary or vandalization.
Typically, these vehicle alarm systems are unreliable for several
reasons such as, among others, nearby individuals are often
indifferent to the alarm and to the probable nefarious causes for
such an audible warning. At times, current vehicle security systems
may be unreliable in that such an alarm might sound as a result of
non-criminal stimuli. Law enforcement officers usually do not fully
investigate these types of property crimes as so little evidence is
typically available to capture and convict a suspect to a vehicular
burglary or vandalization.
Vehicular vandalism and burglary are both crimes that are difficult
to solve due to the lack of or very limited legally admissible
direct evidence or witness testimony. Such evidence is not only
valued by law enforcement agencies but also insurance companies,
courts of law, and neighborhood associations in addition to
victimized vehicle owners. Inasmuch, most vehicle alarm systems
today are reactive to such property crimes and often do not
proactively deter such crimes. Admissible evidence may take the
form of testimony from an eyewitness or demonstrative evidence such
as a video or series of still photographs. As long as a legal
prosecutor lays a proper foundation for admissible evidence, that
prosecutor may enter a variety of demonstrative pieces of evidence
or testimony. Once admitted, it is often difficult to refute
demonstrative evidence such as a video that clearly show acts of
theft or vandalism.
Unfortunately, there is no known device for capturing digital
images of the interior of the vehicle while it is being burglarized
or vandalized that can be used as admissible evidence of a crime.
Moreover, there is no known device for sending at least one vehicle
interior image packet or remote viewing on a user equipment device
at the time of the crime. Therefore, a need exists for a vehicle
security surveillance system and method of surveillance that sends
at least one encrypted vehicle interior image packet therefrom.
SUMMARY
Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, aspects of the
present disclosure provides a vehicle security surveillance system
and a method for surveillance of a vehicle. The vehicle security
surveillance system includes a camera installed within a vehicle's
interior a memory device coupled to the camera, an external device
interface coupled to the memory device, a wiring interface coupled
to a power supply, a network interface module, and an image packet
application. The camera is normally rendered in a "stand-by" mode
until trigger activated to generate digital images of the interior
of the vehicle. The camera includes motion sensors and software.
The external device interface facilitates removal of digital images
from the memory device. The software of the camera facilitates
operation of the camera, motion sensors, and memory device. The
image packet application facilitates, at least in part, generation
of at least one vehicle interior image packet. Operatively, on
receiving a trigger from the motion sensors, the camera is rendered
to record digital images to the memory device and the image packet
application initiates generation of at least one vehicle interior
image packet including the recorded digital images and encrypts
each digital image. The at least one vehicle interior image packet
including recorded digital images is sent, in encrypted format,
from the vehicle security surveillance system via the network
interface module.
Moreover, the vehicle security surveillance system implements the
methods generally as follows. A vehicle security surveillance
system is rendered in a stand-by mode while the vehicle is parked
and triggers, via the motion sensors, at least one camera provided
by the vehicle security surveillance system to activate from the
stand-by mode and generate digital images of the interior of the
vehicle with the at least one camera. Software embodied in a
processor coupled to the camera records the digital images from the
at least one camera to the memory device and stores the digital
images via a self cleaning program executed by the software. An
image packet application provided by the vehicle surveillance
system generates at least one vehicle interior image packet
including the recorded digital images. Generally, a network
interface module from the vehicle security surveillance system
sends, in encrypted format, the at least one vehicle interior image
packet from the vehicle security surveillance system.
Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the
present invention when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not by
limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references
indicate similar elements, and in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view from the front of a vehicle security
surveillance system of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a vehicle security
surveillance system from the side that is electrically coupled to a
power supply;
FIG. 3 is a schematic network diagram of a vehicle security
surveillance system for providing at least one interior image
packet including encrypted digital images to an application
server;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a vehicle interior from the
front driver side;
FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a vehicle interior from a
front passenger side;
FIG. 6 is a general illustration of a vehicle interior image
packet's header;
FIG. 7 is a general illustration of at least one vehicle interior
image packet featuring "time and date stamp" indicia as displayed
along with at least one digital image of the interior of a vehicle
and encryption status of the at least one digital image; and
FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram demonstrating at least one
exemplary method for surveillance of a vehicle.
Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the Figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements in the Figures may be exaggerated relative to the other
elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in
the Figures. Like numerals being used to refer to like and
corresponding parts of the various accompanying drawings. It is to
be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary
of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.
In the disclosure and appended claims the term "vehicle interior
image packet" refers to an individual image file relating to either
visual or visual and sound images of the interior cabin where the
driver, passengers, and cargo are primarily situated during
transport that includes a combination of a single image frame,
multiple image frames, as well as moving video images and multiple
image frames continuously and sequentially generated. Each vehicle
interior image packet is based on at least one digital image
generated by the trigger activated camera such that the vehicle
interior image packet is generated by the image packet application
for transmission, in encrypted format, from the vehicle security
surveillance system. In this disclosure and appended claims the
term "time and date stamp" indicia generally refers to the time and
date that a digital image is generated by a trigger-activated
camera and specifically refers to the time and date obtained from
the header of an outgoing vehicle interior image packet such that
indicia associated with the time and date is visually displayed
along with digital images from the corresponding image packet. In
this disclosure and appended claims, the term "encrypted" refers to
algorithm(s) for securing digital images from tampering to the
extent that such digital images are deemed as legally admissible
evidence. In this disclosure and appended claims the term "video
share user equipment" refers to user equipment that is capable of
operating under Video Share protocol, as defined by the Third
Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specification documents
combining Circuit Switch (CS) and IP multimedia (IMS) services, TS
23.279, combining Circuit Switch (CS) and IP multimedia (IMS)
services, TS 24.279. In this disclosure and appended claims the
term "internet access device" refers to a device operable in a
computer readable medium having access to the world wide web,
internet.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a vehicle security surveillance system 1 in
operation illustratively records vehicle burglaries and vandalism.
The vehicle security surveillance system 1 will monitor a vehicle
while in a stationary position, in the off position. Accordingly,
the vehicle security surveillance system 1 will be in a "stand-by"
mode while the vehicle is parked and only will activate and start
recording images with at least one camera 10 when a motion sensor
and/or shock sensors are triggered. The camera 10, in one
embodiment, comprises a charge-coupled device (CCD) having
integrated motion sensors and a memory. Each camera 10 will have
the option to be used with a plurality of cameras 10 for visually
recording the interior of a vehicle 6. In one embodiment, each
camera 10 will operate independently of each other.
The vehicle security surveillance system 1 will have the option of
placing cameras 10 in several different locations depending on the
type of vehicle (such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle
("SUV"), commercial vehicles, construction equipment, etc.). When
this security system 1 is installed into a passenger car and truck,
the cameras 10 can be located in a vehicle dashboard, driver side
"A" frame, see FIG. 4, passenger side "A" frame, see FIG. 5, dome
light, and/or truck. The vehicle security surveillance system 1 can
be installed at the factory with a built-in camera placed at the
automotive manufacturer's preference. An aftermarket embodiment of
the vehicle surveillance system 1 is configured for consumer
installation at desired locations within a vehicle's interior.
Illustratively, consider one example when the vehicle security
surveillance system 1 is installed into a SUV-type vehicles such
that a second camera may be installed halfway back on the vehicle's
interior roof (at the dome light) to catch a burglar breaking into
the rear of the vehicle or through the side of the doors on the
vehicle.
In one embodiment, the vehicle security surveillance system 1 is
placed anywhere in the vehicle as long as a power supply 20 is
connected to wiring 18 on the camera 10. The vehicle security
surveillance system 1 includes motion detectors and/or motion
sensors 15. Once the motion sensor 15 is activated, each camera 10
will activate and start to digitally record the images, in an
encrypted format, with a time and date stamp on the recorded
image(s). In one embodiment, the encrypted, digitally recorded
images will record onto a memory device 12 coupled to a
corresponding camera 10, FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the memory
device 12 features a flash memory, such that the memory device 12
will still have all the data saved to its memory when there is no
power supplied to the memory device 12.
Software 16, implemented by at least one processor, will record and
store encrypted digital files on each camera 10 in a folder and
time/date stamp each file. Each folder will have a predetermined
number of subfolders where the vehicle security surveillance system
1 stores the digital files. Once all subfolders are completely
full, software 16 will delete the contents of the oldest subfolder
and then record the next file in that (content-deleted) subfolder.
This self-cleaning program ensures that there will always be at
least one empty subfolder available to record any possible attempt
to burglarize or vandalize the vehicle.
Downloading the images from the vehicle security surveillance
system 1 is accomplished in several different ways. One way is to
install a USB plug 14 on a spring load reel, FIG. 2. Accordingly,
the camera 10 remains fixed to the vehicle while flash memory
device 12A at the USB plug 14 is pulled out and connected to a
computer for downloading the encrypted recorded images and updates
to the Software 6.
An alternative embodiment allows a user to remove the vehicle
security surveillance system 1 from the vehicle and connect it to a
computer for downloading the encrypted recorded images and software
16 updates. The files will have the option of remaining on the
memory device 12 or, alternatively, the files are deleted after
downloading. The images will be encrypted so that each file cannot
be tampered with. In some jurisdictions, encrypted files are
suitable means for legally admissible evidence in a criminal
proceeding.
This vehicle security surveillance system 1 optionally operates
while the vehicle is in the "on" position to record activity that
occurs inside the vehicle. The vehicle security surveillance system
1 is initially activated in a "valet" or "service attendant" mode
by a manual activation or an encoded valet key that can be turned
on/off by the vehicle owner before handing the vehicle over to the
valet or service attendant. In the "on" position, the vehicle
security surveillance system 1 will monitor all activity inside of
the vehicle with at least one camera 10 located in the vehicle's
interior to record the contents left behind, snooping, theft, and
driving habits of the valet or service attendant. The vehicle
security surveillance system 1 will deactivate once the vehicle
ignition has been turned off and the valet or service attendant has
exited the vehicle's interior and shut the door. Once this has
occurred the security system will go into a "shut down" mode after
the door is closed, which allows the cameras and recording system
to monitor and sense motion inside of the vehicle for approximately
two minutes to ensure the absence of activity and ensure vehicle
contents. After the predetermined time elapses, such as the
exemplary two minute period, the vehicle security surveillance
system 1 resumes its normal "stand-by" mode while the vehicle is in
the off position awaiting triggered activation of at least one
camera 10 as described above. This embodiment of the vehicle
security surveillance system 1 will have the option to selectively
engage at least one camera 10 with a valet switch.
As generally depicted Referring now to the drawings, and in
particular FIGS. 1-8, a vehicle security surveillance system 1
includes the following. A camera 10 installed within a vehicle's
interior, see FIGS. 4-5. The camera 10 includes motion sensors 15
and software 16. Optionally, the camera includes shock sensors 13
such that the camera 10 will start recording images when the motion
sensor 15 and-or the shock sensors 13 trigger to render the camera
10 to record. Inasmuch, the camera 10 generates digital images of
the interior of the vehicle. In operation, in one embodiment, the
camera 10 is normally rendered in a "stand-by" mode until
trigger-activated to generate digital images.
The vehicle security surveillance system 1 includes a memory device
12 that is coupled to the camera 10. In one embodiment, a flash
memory device 12a is removable from the vehicle security
surveillance system 1. In particular, the vehicle security
surveillance system 1 includes an external device interface 14a
coupled to the flash memory device 12a such that the external
device interface 14a facilitates removal of digital images from the
memory device 12 as shown in FIG. 2.
The vehicle security surveillance system 1 includes a wiring
interface 17 that is coupled to a power supply 20. In one
embodiment the memory device 12 comprises a micro hard drive. In
particular, the wiring interface provides a positive (+) wire and a
negative (-) wire to at least the memory device 12.
The vehicle security surveillance system 1 includes an image packet
application 16a that is coupled to a network module 20 and the
software 16. The software 16 is further coupled to the network
module 20 as well. The software 16 executed in at least one
computer readable device, such as a processor, of the camera 10
facilitates operation of the camera 10 motion sensors 15, and
memory device 12 among other components of the vehicle security
surveillance system 1.
In particular, the image packet application 16a may be readily
recognized as either a software or hardware embodiment for
facilitating, at least in part, generation of at least one vehicle
interior image packet. A general illustration of at least one
interior image packet is visually shown in FIG. 7. The image packet
application 16a obtains the time and date 92 from a packet header
90 shown in FIG. 6 and creates "time and date stamp" indicia 94 for
visual display with images from the corresponding image packet 98
as illustratively shown in FIG. 7. Each digital image includes time
and date stamp indicia 94 on each digital image 98 including each
image frame whether a still frame or as part of a video.
Operatively, on receiving a trigger from at least the motion
sensors 15, the camera 10 is rendered to record digital images to
the memory device 12 and the image packet application 16a initiates
generation of at least one vehicle interior image packet. In one
embodiment, during recording, the software 16 encrypts the digital
images while recording to the memory device 12 so that each image
file cannot be tampered with. In one embodiment, the software 16
provides an application for decryption.
Optionally, the software 16 also provides an application for
selective decryption. For example, the selective decryption
application in one embodiment requires a restricted code used by
law enforcement to decrypt the image files so as to prevent third
party tampering of potentially admissible evidence in the recorded
image files. In some jurisdictions, encrypted files are suitable
means for legally admissible evidence in a law enforcement
proceeding.
In one further embodiment, the software 16 provides a counter
application that accounts for the number of downloads from the
vehicle security surveillance system 1 of an encrypted digital
image. As such, the counter application facilitates tracking and
thus potentially preventing tampering with a decrypted digital
image to ultimately enhance the quality of admissibility to lay a
proper legal foundation of such a digital file as legal evidence.
For example, the quality of admissibility to lay a proper legal
foundation of such a digital file may include, among others, the
following: software aspects that prevent modification of the
digital file including changes, additions or deletions of the
digital file; software aspects that prevent further duplication of
the digital file; software and indicia aspects indicating that the
vehicle security surveillance system 1 was operating properly while
producing the recorded digital file; and automated operational
sequences of the vehicle security surveillance system 1 to refute
legal objections regarding the competency of a human operator.
Illustratively, the at least one vehicle interior image packet of
FIG. 7 features at least one digital image of the interior of the
vehicle 98 having "time and date stamp" indicia 94 and encryption
status indicia 95 of the at least one digital image 98.
Specifically, in accordance with the above, the encryption status
indicia 95 shows the image 98 was "decrypted". Moreover, counter
status indicia 95A, obtained from a counter application, shows "2"
which means that two downloads of this image 98 were obtained from
the vehicle security surveillance system 1. Selective decryption
status indicia 95B, obtained from a selective decryption
application, shows "P" which means that specifically the police
decrypted this particular image file 98. In furthering this
illustration, a counter status indicia 95A of "1" and a decryption
status indicia 95B of "I" would thus indicate that an insurance
company (for the letter "I") was the first entity (for the number
"1") to download and decrypt the image 98 of FIG. 7 from the
vehicle security surveillance system 1. Furthermore, the at least
one vehicle interior image packet of FIG. 7 features at least one
digital image of the interior of the vehicle 98 having "vehicle
security surveillance system 1 operational status" indicia 95C of
"OK" indicating that the vehicle security surveillance system 1 was
operating properly while producing the recorded digital file, as
opposed the alternative "vehicle security surveillance system 1
operational status" indicia of "ERROR" (not shown) to indicate that
the vehicle security surveillance system 1 was not operating
properly while producing the recorded digital file.
In at least one embodiment, each decrypted image file is a "read
only" file which in this application and appended claims refers to
an attribute of the file which prevents editing such file. In at
least one embodiment, each decrypted image file features a software
attribute for preventing further duplication of such decrypted
image file. Accordingly, one would thus download another decrypted
image file only from the source vehicle security surveillance
system 1 to obtain a copy. In the continuing illustration, the
counter status indicia 95A, obtained from a counter application,
would account for such a further copy as an additional download by
visually showing "3" which means that three downloads of this image
98 were obtained from the source vehicle security surveillance
system 1.
Further in operation, the at least one vehicle interior image
packet is sent from the vehicle security surveillance system 1 via
the network interface module 20. In at least one embodiment, the at
least one vehicle interior image packet is sent from the vehicle
security surveillance system 1, via the network interface module
20, wherein each digital image is encrypted. As shown in FIG. 2,
the network interface module 20 includes network interface hardware
21 network interface software 22 and a wireless transmitter 23
among other components.
Each digital image 98 is encrypted via the image packet application
16a. As shown in FIG. 3, in at least one illustrative embodiment,
the at least one vehicle interior image packet is received by an
application server 84 such as a video share application server.
Specifically, the network interface module 20 sends at least one
interior image packet to the nearest, operational radio access
network such as a wireless radio access tower. From the radio
access network, the at least one interior image packet is sent
through a gateway function 82 to the application server 84, such as
an application server compatible with Video Share protocol.
From the application server 84, at least one vehicle interior image
packet is sent to user equipment such as Video Share user equipment
(UE) device 88. In one embodiment, the Video Share user equipment
(UE) includes a wireless mobile phone and a tablet such that the
user of the mobile phone receives the interior image packet
providing the general time date and image of a vehicles interior
generally during the time of unauthorized entry into the vehicle
interior. In one embodiment, the interior image packet remains
encrypted until selectively decrypted so as not to destroy the
legally admissibility of such packet as evidence.
Moreover, for the embodiment to FIG. 3, the application server 84
sends at least one vehicle interior image packet to one internet
protocol access device 86 to alert the device 86 operator, via the
internet, of unauthorized access into the vehicle's interior.
Moreover, the application server 84 sends at least one vehicle
interior image packet to a portal 85, such as a virtual private
network portal, informing the portal subscriber of unauthorized
vehicle entry.
Referring now to one exemplary embodiment, an aftermarket vehicle
security surveillance system 1 includes a charge-coupled device
(CCD) camera 10. The CCD camera 10 is installed within a vehicle's
interior. The CCD camera 10 includes motion sensors 15 and software
16. The CCD camera 10 generates digital images 98 of the interior
of the vehicle. The CCD camera 10 is rendered in a stand-by mode
until trigger-activated to generate the digital images.
The aftermarket vehicle security surveillance system 1 includes a
micro hard drive 12 coupled to the CCD camera 10. A universal
serial bus (USB) plug 14 is coupled to micro hard drive 12. In
operation, the USB plug 14 facilitates removal of digital images
from the micro hard drive 12. The aftermarket vehicle security
surveillance system 1 further includes wiring 18 that is coupled to
a power supply 20.
The aftermarket vehicle security surveillance system 1 includes a
network interface module 20 that is coupled to the software 16 and
includes an image packet application 16a. The image packet
application 16a facilitates, at least in part, generation of at
least one image packet. Each digital image is encrypted via the
image packet application 16a. The software 16 of the CCD camera 10
facilitates operation of at least the CCD camera 10, motion sensors
15, and micro hard drive 12. Operationally, on a trigger received
from motion sensors 15, the CCD camera 10 is rendered to record
digital images to the micro hard drive 12.
With reference to FIG. 8, a method for surveillance of a vehicle
100 is appreciated as follows. At 102, a vehicle security
surveillance system is rendered in a stand-by mode while the
vehicle is parked. The vehicle security surveillance system is
identical to the vehicle security surveillance system as discussed
above.
At 104, motion sensors 15 trigger at least one camera 10 to
activate from the standby mode. Optionally, the camera 10 maybe
trigger-activated with shock sensors 13. Each camera 10 generates
digital images of the interior of the vehicle. At 106, software 16,
embodied in at least one processor coupled to camera 10, records
the digital images from at least one camera 10 to a memory device
12.
Specifically, generating a digital image with the camera 10
includes creating "time and date stamp" indicia based on the time
and date 92 provided on a packet header 90 from the corresponding
vehicle interior image packet and integrating "time and date stamp"
indicia 94 for visual display on each digital image 98 as shown in
FIG. 7.
The digital images at 108 are stored with a self-cleaning program
executed by the software 16. In particular, a digital image file
for each camera is stored in a corresponding folder. Each folder
includes a predetermined number of subfolders such that the
self-cleaning program deletes the contents of the oldest subfolder
to store a subsequent digital image file within the
contents-deleted subfolder.
At 110, an image packet application generates at least one vehicle
interior image packet. A network interface module 20 at 112 sends
the at least one interior image packet, encrypted, from the vehicle
security surveillance system 1. In one embodiment an application
server 84, such as a Video Share protocol application server,
receives at least one vehicle interior image packet from the
network interface module 20. At least one vehicle interior image
packet is sent to at least one UE device.
Optionally, the vehicle security surveillance system is rendered in
a "valet" or "service attendant" mode that includes the following.
While the vehicle's engine is ignited, a vehicle security
surveillance system 1 is engaged, such as with a button or encoded
valet key. The vehicle is provided to the valet or service
attendant. While the vehicle's engine is engaged, digital images of
the interior of the vehicle are recorded from the at least one
activated camera 10 to the memory device 12 to record the
activities of the operator while the vehicle owner is away. The
"valet" or "service attendant" mode is disengaged when the
vehicle's engine is turned off.
Optionally, vehicle security surveillance system 1 may be rendered
in a "shutdown" mode in the following manner. In the "shutdown"
mode, the at least one camera 10 continues to record digital images
of the interior of the vehicle to the memory device 12 while the
vehicle's engine is turned off after a "valet" or "service
attendant" mode is disengaged.
The "shutdown" mode is disengaged after a predetermined amount of
time, such as, two minutes, without trigger-activation of at least
one camera 10. Optionally, after a predetermined period elapses,
such as the exemplary two minute period, the vehicle security
surveillance system 1 resumes its normal "stand-by" mode while the
vehicle's engine is in the off position awaiting trigger-activation
of at least one camera as described above.
Although the present invention has been described in detail, it
should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and
alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *
References